National Zoo: Smaller Newborn Panda Cub Dies

WASHINGTON (WJZ)-- A tiny newborn panda cub, who was getting extra care on Tuesday, has died according to officials at the National Zoo.

The smaller cub weighed 86 grams at birth, and the larger cub weighed 138 grams. According to the zoo, bear cubs have the smallest infant-to-mother size ration of any placental mammals at about 1 to 700.

On Tuesday, officials said they were giving the cub extra care because Mei Xiang stopped allowing the cub swap Monday afternoon.

"We are sad to report that the smaller of the two panda cubs has died. We will continue to provide updates on social media," said the zoo in a tweet on Wednesday.

Mei Xiang has the larger cub in her possession and appears to be taking very good care of it, the zoo said.